Montgomery County fire officials still urge residents to use caution with outdoor fires after lifting a burn ban following recent rains.

The burn ban was enacted at the end of December because of the potential for wildfires caused by dry conditions.

Jimmy Williams, Montgomery County fire marshal, said the rainfall over several days caused by cold fronts moving through Southeast Texas led to the decision to lift the ban.

"It looks like we are at the point where we can lift it. We're obviously not endorsing outdoor burning, but we realize people are going to do it regardless," Williams said.

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office in Conroe in conjunction with Montgomery County Fire Chief's Association set the criteria for issuing and lifting burn bans. The recently lifted ban was urged by state officials in reaction to statewide problems with forest fires spawned by drought conditions.

Under normal circumstances, the criteria include a combination of the amount of wildfire activity and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index used to measure the impact of drought on fire behavior.

Moisture readings

The index, often referred to as the KBDI, is a commonly used drought scale adapted for fire management applications with a top rating of 800. KBDI readings, which are reflective of rainfall patterns, are used to determine drought conditions.

Williams said neither of those factors mandate continuing the ban.

"With the rain we've had, grass fires have decreased. So we've actually had a welcome relief, but it could be dry enough soon depending on what the weather does to ignite the grass," Williams said.

Dry conditions

Residents who choose to burn are still urged to practice caution, and be aware of changing weather conditions.

Dry, dead grasses, coupled with high wind and low humidity, can still pose a significant fire hazard, Williams said.

Although outdoor burning is legal in rural parts of the county when no ban is in place, Williams said there are new laws against doing so in certain areas deemed rural.

"The biggest thing is people need to be aware that they're not supposed to burn household garbage on less than five acres or in subdivisions," Williams said.

Violators are subject to a fine up to $500 per violation.

The fire marshal also asked that anyone who might have an alternate method for disposing of refuse use it. "We ask people to use common sense. If they have another way to dispose of materials than burning, then that's the best thing to do, because it's very dangerous to burn. And never leave a fire unattended," Williams said.

Illegal burning laws

Alan Benson, The Woodlands Fire Department chief, said all outdoor burning is illegal in The Woodlands. "It is against covenants and we don't allow burning, but still be careful when you're outdoors," Benson said.

"The surfaces can dry out very quickly, and we could still be very susceptible to fire," Benson said.

Robert Matheson, assistant fire chief with the Conroe Fire Department, said outdoor burning is illegal inside Conroe city limits at all times, but also urged caution with all combustibles.

Burn bans prohibit the outside burning of waste, leaves, tree limbs and other trash in unincorporated areas of the county. Incorporated cities such as Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North already prohibit outdoor burning.

Violation of an outdoor burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and mandatory community service.

Residents caught burning debris also can be cited for reckless damage if their fire escapes and damages another person's property. Reckless damage is punishable by a fine up to $500.

Burn bans were enacted twice in 2005 solely by decree of county officials, once in June then again in September. The recently lifted ban came at the urging of state officials in reaction to wildfires burning northern and western parts of Texas.

Rainfall outlook

Another county-issued burn ban is always possible, but Williams said he thinks winter weather will continue, at least in spurts, and bring rain with it.

"It appears the weather pattern is going to mean three or four days of relatively dry weather interspersed with the typical winter weather of passing cold fronts and moisture," Williams said.

More rain in 2006 would be a change from last year.

Rainfall totals recorded in Montgomery County show 29.73 inches of rain fell in 2005, compared with a normal average of 47.86 inches, according to data provided by the National Weather Service office in Dickinson.

Recent months have been especially dry, with 7.9 inches of rain from August through Dec. 31, versus a typical average of 20.54 inches over that same period.

The criteria established by the fire marshal's office for enacting a burn ban is 15 fires per day over three consecutive days or a Keetch-Byram Drought Index of 550 to 600. Most of Montgomery County is in the 200 range to 400 range, according to recent KBDI readings.

Benson said residents should still practice caution when outside.

"While the burn ban is lifted, when people go outside for some outdoor activities, we want them to exercise caution and not become complacent," Benson said.